Tory’s hopes for more respectful city hall dashed at executive meeting

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A meeting of Toronto's cabinet-like executive committee erupted into several heated exchanges on Wednesday – including one councillor's accusation that Mayor John Tory had acted "improperly" – despite Mr. Tory's vows for a calmer, more respectful city hall.

The executive met Wednesday morning to debate items including a proposal to expand gaming at the Woodbine Racetrack and project management on the Scarborough subway. And though the mayor has spent the first few months in office promising to restore calm to city government, tempers flared during the debates.

As Councillor Jim Karygiannis prepared to speak at the meeting, Mr. Tory interjected with a warning, referring to the licensing committee meeting from the day before where Mr. Karygiannis was involved in a series of heated exchanges with deputants.

"All deputants, no matter what point of view, will be treated with respect," the mayor said. "I just won't be putting up with anything that castigates people regardless of what their opinions. … I'm just putting you on notice. This is the new city hall, not the old one."

Later, Mr. Tory added to his comments. "I think what went on yesterday at the licensing committee was a disgrace," he said. "It was a disgrace."

In response afterward, Mr. Karygiannis said he did not think his questioning the day before had crossed a line. "I think I asked hard questions, and I wanted hard answers," he said.

Regarding the mayor's criticism, the councillor said: "I've been in politics for 26-27 years. I've got a thick skin. …God bless the mayor. He's got his view, I have my own."

Shortly after the exchange with Mr. Karygiannis, the mayor found himself accused of being out of order.

Councillor David Shiner asked Woodbine Entertainment Group chief executive officer Nick Eaves a series of pointed questions regarding details of his proposal, but Mr. Tory remarked that he wanted to keep the meeting "focused."

He then reminded councillors of the motion on the table – which only proposes that city staff develop a report on expanded gaming. "I would remind you and the members of the committee that what we're embarking upon today – if you look at the motion – is asking for a public consultation process," he said.

When Mr. Shiner tried to interrupt, the mayor stopped him. "No, I'm sorry, I'm speaking."

The councillor responded by saying, "You were trying to remind me of something which I take offence to. … And I really don't like what I feel amounts to being talked down to, with due respect."

Later, Mr. Shiner told reporters that he thought the mayor overstepped his bounds. "I think he was acting improperly," he said. "In due respect, he's new at the job, this is the first time he's been elected to run a city like this, and we do have procedures in place."

The Woodbine motion was passed by the committee and will be up for debate at city council later this month.

The meeting broke for lunch, but only after one last disruption. Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, who has been making attempts to have council revisit the idea of a subway for Finch Avenue, circulated a press release saying he planned on delivering to Mr. Tory "a much desired Subway … from the famous sandwich shop."

Shortly after noon – and as the meeting was still ongoing – the outspoken councillor appeared at the mayor's side, sandwich in hand. "I got a Subway club with extra cheese for the Big Cheese, Mayor Tory," a statement from Mr. Mammoliti said.